Time is winding down for my Colorado Experience. Wednesday the 6th was a bright, sun-shiny day. I had plans to take kitesurfing lessons, but they were postponed to Thursday. So, I decided to complete my second class, rather than go out to the mountain. Thursday, however, was a good day spent kite surfing on Lake Dillon. Though the winds were bad I was able to learn how to navigate the kite and traverse the lake on my snowboard. There is a picture of it out there, somewhere, but it hasn’t surfaced yet. When it does, I’ll post it. I did take a pre-lesson photo of sun-washed Lake Dillon. 
After Kite Boarding I packed my bags and ventured to the “metropolis” Grand Junction, CO where I was picking a friend up at the airport. We had a busy upcoming weekend planned, with a pending storm rolling-in, as well.
On Friday Morning, we were able to get up early and make the 90 minute drive to Hanging Lake. The day started off beautifully and the storm held-off for the duration of the hike. I discovered Hanging Lake exactly one year ago. It is quite a beautiful place, but what a difference between the two years. The ice-enhanced aesthetic is quite different.
Last Year:
This Year
Last year:
This year
Last Year:
This Year:
If you ever make the hike to Hanging Lake during a snowy season, I strongly suggest bring a set of yaktrax and trekking poles. I got my yaktrax at Marshalls for like 10 bucks. I think I got my spare set of trekking poles there, too. We encountered people attempting this in Chuck Taylors (yup Converse) and using tree branches as hiking sticks. Definitely have to come prepared.
But if you do, it is an enjoyable experience.
As we left Hanging Lake the weather started to roll-in. Rain started coming down so we stopped in Palisade, CO which, apparently, is Colorado Wine Country. (Yeah, I didn’t know Colorado had a wine country either!) We grabbed a bottle of wine for dinner at the hotel, and went to check-out the Colorado National Monument. There were some beautiful views surprisingly close to Grand Junction, CO.
Life is Good!
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